Nutrient Digestibility and Growth in Crossbred (HF × Deoni) Calves Fed Shevra (Alysicarpus rugosus) Hay in Replacement of Concentrate Mixture

Fifteen crossbred (HF × Deoni) calves (Age - 183 to 323 days, Av. B. Wt. - 80.50 kg) were randomly distributed into 3 groups of 5 animals each. Shevra hay was used in place of concentrate mixture to replace 50, 65 and 80% of its CP in treatments T1, T2 and T3, respectively thereby contributing 25, 32.5 and 40% of dietary CP. The Shevra hay contained 12.60, 33.65, 2.95, 41.14 and 9.65%, CP, CF, EE, NFE and ash, respectively. DM intake was comparable in all the groups. DCP intake as per cent body weight of calves was significantly higher (P<0.05) in T3 in comparison to T2 and T1, however, it was similar in T2 and T1. TDN intake decreased slightly in T1 and T3, though there was no difference between T1 and T3. Digestibility of nutrients was higher in group T2 as compared to group T1 and T3 except EE digestibility. Replacing concentrate mixture on nitrogen basis by Shevra hay did not have any adverse effect on the daily live weight gain or body measurements like height, length or chest girth in calves. The animals in T1 and T2 groups gained higher body weight with less amount of feed consumed followed by T3 group. Shevra hay could be incorporated safely to provide up to 32.5% of CP in the diet of calves.